LOOKING BACK Current district chancellor, Constance Carroll, takes her post in 2004.
CT CityTimes
Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945
Vol. 68, No. 14
May 13, 2014
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION City perfomers take it to the edge in elaborate show
Weekly at sdcitytimes.com
District veteran to lead City By Chris Handloser City Times
The dancers in “The Salton Sea” playfully sprinkled the sand around during opening night of “Dancing on the Fine Edge” May 8.
Blending art with dance
Six departments at City collaborate in an indoor and outdoor production Story by Diego Lynch Photos by Celia Jimenez City Times The show could not be contained on one stage. Black-clad performers embodying an oil spill. Dancers tossing up sand with their hands. A group of young men and women sliding down parking lot stairs. Each of those scenes, and four more, comprised “Dancing on the Fine Edge,” presented by about 40 dancers on May 8, 9 and 10 in and around Saville Theatre. The show was a collaborative performance engaging City’s Drama, Dance, Fine Art, Photography, Music and Graphic Design programs. Alicia Rincon, the show’s director, spoke about its roots. “I had the idea to blend all
these beautiful and unique art pieces with dance,” said Rincon, co-chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. She presented a show using this concept in 2008 at City and revived it for the Centennial celebration. Planning started a year ago. She invited the dance professors to meet their counterparts in Visual and Performing Arts. “To let us match ourselves up with whoever’s art we found interesting,” said Natalia Valerdi, a dance professor, who choreographed one of this year’s performances. From that point, it was up to the dance professors to create choreography and set design that would make use of the visual artist’s work.
From growing up wanting to be a firefighter to becoming the new president of San Diego City College, Dr. Anthony Beebe’s path has been one of enlightenment through education. Since 2006, Beebe, 57, has been president of the San Diego Community College District’s (SDCCD) Continuing Education, a system serving 3,600 non-credit students across seven campuses. It is the largest accredited, post-secondary institution of its kind in the US. He gave a wide-ranging interview days after being selected president and said he will bring to City a plan with four basic elements: social justice (student equity), access and completion, transitioning adult students to higher levels and making connections with the community. “I have a specific vision for City College that I want to invite students, faculty, staff and administrators to contemplate,” said Beebe. “In the short run, what I really need to be able to do is listen and understand what the concerns are of everyone.” He is wasting no time in accomplishing that goal. Drawing from his extensive trainDr. Anthony ing in deliberative Beebe democracy, Beebe sent out a questionnaire to City faculty, staff and students asking, “If only I were the new City College president… what would I do?” “I think that it engenders a sincere, genuine interest in me learning from them before I’m even there,” explained Beebe. It also impressed Associated Students Government President Carolina Moreno, and Beebe met her response to the questionnaire with great appreciation. “Little things like that where someone acknowledges your feedback and your perspective, that says something
Dancers in “Spill,” symbolizing an oil spill, moved toward a birdSee Dance, page 2 like figure which they enveloped in black fabric.
A century of success
March for rights
City College celebrates its 100 Year Commencement in style PAGE 7
May Day and the Fight for 15 PHOTO ESSAY PAGE 8-9
See Beebe, page 6
INDEX
News.................... 3,4 Arts...................... 10 Life....................... 11 Opinion............ 12,13
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Dance Continued from Page 1 The production was organized like a museum tour, with the tour covering spaces inside and outside the theater, including parking lots, building walls and the lawn. The dance professors functioned as docents, guiding the audience from one performance to another, providing context for each piece. “The audience is another interesting piece of the puzzle,” said Rincon. “It is not traditional; we are not dumping the audience into the auditorium. It is a moving exhibit.” The pieces themselves touched on poignant topics. In “Spill,” images of industrial oil production were projected onto the wall of the theater. The dancers, wearing sleek black unitards, slid down the stairs to the parking lot, where they entrapped a roller-skating, bird-like figure and wrapped it in black fabric. The oily hat created by visual art professor Terri Hughes-Oelrich inspired dance professor Terri Shipman to choreograph the piece. In “Salton Sea,” a photograph of a chair on the seashore was recreated on the sidewalk covered in sand next to the theater. Dancers on the site, “Our Roots,” combined hip-hop and breakdancing down the ramp near Seeds@City. Celia Jimenez, City Times A group of performers, wearing light blue and gray, danced in the sand, stir- tra pit was transformed to represent a dysto- developed culture is gone.” projected their color onto the lawn. During the ring it into the air. pian past. Two female performers danced Each dance had accompanying music, performance, the dancers placed themselves Professor Debi Toth-Ward choreographed around each other. One had a red mane remi- which ranged from live singing and drum- between the lights and the sheets, casting that piece, based on an image by photography niscent of fire, and the other’s hair was tangled ming to taped hip-hop tunes. their shadows. professor David King. into a crown of branches. The lighting was provided by spotlights, The technical crew included Rob Norberg “David’s photo of Bombay Beach is very The piece explored “mythical characters projectors and the moon. (lighting), Michael Glover (stage Manager), desolate and barren,” she said. “Everything is and the mystery of cultures that disappeared In “Through and Around,” performed in Andrea Singer, Dominic Accardi, and Richdying there.” for no reason, so we created these two char- Curran Plaza, spotlights illuminated the lawn ard Claar (costume design), Duane Guardella The director’s sister, Patricia Rincon, a acters that are half animal and half human,” with warm light. (set design and construction), Dave Kesner dance professor at UCSD, choreographed Patricia Rincon said. Colored sheets were hung from the awning (sound recording) and Richard Apodaca “Underworld.” Inside the theater, the orches“They have a sense of loss because of their adjacent to the grass. Lights behind the sheets (graphic designer).
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Enactus partners with food bank City’s food pantry serves 50-60 people per day By Diego Lynch City Times The City College Enactus Food Empowerment and Sustainability Center, or food pantry, has formed a partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, a non-profit which provides food at low prices to people and organizations. The food pantry currently serves 50-60 people per day. Items sold at 18 cents per pound “are usually dry goods like beans and rice, canned goods, and there are some free items that are offered to us like fresh produce, bread, and pet food,” said Marie Disnew, Enactus project adviser. “The 25 cents a pound would be frozen foods,” she added. Since its opening in February, the City College food pantry has received major dona-
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tions of food from the Athletics Department. Under the supervision of Kathy McGinnis, Dean of Athletics, the department has donated 2,000 pounds of food. Chere Smith, Student Director of the Food Pantry, has also submitted an application to Feeding America, a national organization for combating hunger. However, she said that the application has been delayed because the San Diego branch of Feeding America is undergoing restructuring and that the application could not be approved until that is complete. The food pantry is administered by Enactus. It’s an international non-profit organization whose City College chapter partners with the Business Department to build student entrepreneurial skills. Food is available at the food pantry Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room A16. Students are limited to one visit per week and must present a student ID when requesting food.
Enactus provides food at a ver y low cost to City’s students. Chris Handloser, City Times
Summer hours By Pedro Delgado City Times As City College prepares to hold general summer classes for the first time in several years, departments and offices are announcing their hours during this period. Here is a sample of what will be open and when during the summer: Student Health Services, A-116, will be open for walk-ins Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students need to make an appointment to see a nurse practitioner or doctor. Mental Health Counseling Center, Room A-221, will be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Assistance is free and confidential. Staff can give referrals. EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) Center, L-117, will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. LRC/Library, both main and lower floor, will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Math Center, L-208, Monday through Thursday, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tutorial Learning Center, L-205, initially will be open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but hours may vary during the summer. Cafeteria, bottom floor of A Building, will be openMonday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admissions Office, A112, will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m to 3 p.m. Accounting and Student Cashiers Office, A-114 will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m , and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Financial Aid Office, A-113, will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m to 3 p.m. At press time, some offices had not defined their hours for the summer, including the bookstore, the fitness center, Veterans Service Center, the Counseling Office and Police Department. Information is available at www.sdcity.edu.
Members of student clubs like Visionar y Feminists campaigned on behalf of the Gonzalez Mural, although it is yet to be approved and hung by the City College Public Art Committee. Chris Handloser, City Times
Public art rules developed By Joe Kendall City Times Nearly seven months after the hanging of the Diana Gonzalez mural was stalled, City’s Public Art Committee awaits approval of permanent guidelines for displaying art on campus. Dean of Student Affairs MichaelPaul Wong chaired the seven-person committee comprised of staff and student representatives that was charged with creating the guidelines. “The committee met for several months, and we pulled in examples that other campuses have put together for these kinds of policies and then we looked at the policies, and we kind of took what we really liked about some and left out what we didn’t like about others,” commented Dean Wong. The need for guidelines came about
after organizers of the mural and the administration could not agree on where and for how long it would be displayed. Interim President Lynn Neault cited concerns about the emotional wellbeing of students and staff as well as the negative impact such a piece might have on the college’s reputation as factors for further deliberation. The yet-to-be-adopted guidelines call for the creation of another, permanent, public art committee to review all proposals for art display on campus. The guidelines also list five criteria for consideration before submitting recommendations to the school president, who holds final approval authority. Once the guidelines become official, the permanent committee will review the Gonzalez mural and submit its recommendations to the president.
With no guidelines approved and no committee to review them, the artwork currently is in limbo. The mural was displayed at the Centro Cultural de La Raza in Balboa Park until earlier this year, and currently resides with the artist who created it, awaiting to see if it gets a permanent placement on campus. Arny Brenes, member of the Visionary Feminists, and member of City’s Public Art Committee, explains why this mural is so important and what it represents. “What keeps me fighting for this mural’s placement is what the mural represents; the victims and survivors of domestic violence, including Diana Gonzalez, raising awareness about domestic violence itself and its costs to our communities, and the healing of communities.”
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News
www.sdcitytimes.com | May 13, 2014
Contractor bridges gap for Enactus Works with City-based non-profit to provide surplus electronics to needy By Joe Kendall City Times Bridging the Gap (BTG), a recently formed non-profit organization based at City College, has partnered with a local federal contractor to give new life to surplus electronics. Robert Crouse, the non-profit’s executive director, wasted no time in finding ways to use computer monitors. The non-profit has received just under 80 new and used LCD monitors and is set to receive matching desktop computers. These aid in its mission to guide at-risk youth away from the streets by offering mentorship and entrepreneurial training. The monitors, along with the upcoming computers, were made available to BTG by government contractor Edward Lorquet. Using his contacts within the U.S. Navy, Lorquet is able to access electronics no longer needed by the military, and has used his friendship with Crouse to find them a useful home. The Navy’s discarded equipment can sometimes end up in the landfill due to the lengthy process required to refurbish
them for civilian use. Lorquet states that he believes in the concept of the BTG and has high hopes for its future. The organization got its start in 2010 as a youth outreach project at San Diego’s Tubman-Chavez Multicultural Center. As the program became successful, Crouse’s team grew, and in 2013 the agency decided to form its own non-profit. “It was decided collectively that we were going to start a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to at-risk youth,” explained Crouse. “Because of the limitations that are on City College and Enactus, we can only go so far....with Bridging The Gap we can cross those lines.” The first batch of computers will be dedicated to BTG’s “Don’t Be a Bully” Conference in October. At various San Diego locations, organizers will give away the computers to participants as an incentive to attend. “I would love to see the community, all different communities, come together and push this. I see Bridging The Gap being a very big program 10 years from now,” added Crouse. For information visit BTG4Hope.org.
A federal contractor donates 80 LCD monitors to Enactus. Official Facebook image
Student leaders engage General Assembly convenes to suggest legislation By Kaily Sanders City Times Nine Associated Students Government (ASG) representatives traveled to Los Angeles on May 2 to attend the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) General Assembly to advocate for students’ rights. The bi-annual assembly allows students to bring attention to and vote on issues that are important to their college. This year, students considered more than 20 resolutions including campus free speech, financial aid, transportation, student senate funding, equity and diversity, and more. Current ASG vice president Michael Roderick, 27, describes why student involvement is so vital. “These are all things where I have my own opinion, but I don’t want to go up there and tell them what I think, I want to go up there and tell them what City college thinks because that’s who I was elected to represent,” said Roderick. In preparation for the assembly, ASG reached out to City students and conducted a survey to find out what is important to them. ASG found that one of the more pressing issues on campus was transgender selfidentification and name accommodations. “You have to identify with the sex that you were born with on your birth certificate... It’s a big deal when a trans student
is getting called by their original name if it doesn’t fit the sex that they identify with,” said ASG Senator Candice Bell, 20. There are three separate transgender issues being scrutinized, all which were passed by the student voters. However, the resolutions still need to be accepted and approved by the California General Assembly in order to be made effective. In Resolution 7.01 “Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics,” the SSCCC confronts the issue that an athlete’s birth certificate is proof of their gender. The resolution asks the California Community College Athletic Association to develop changes so that students do not have to use the gender found on their birth certificate. CCCApply ‑– the form used to apply for several California Community Colleges including City ‑– requires students to use their birth name. Resolution 7.02, “CCCApply Gender Self-Identification,” asks the CCCApply Steering Committee to update the application form, allowing for students to write in their responses to this question. Resolution 7.03, “CCCApply Preferred Name Accommodation,” explains that when a student is forced to use their legal name it could “potentially jeopardize their comfort and safety.” This resolution asks that the CCCApply form is updated, providing a place for students to write in their preferred name.
The eighth floor of the V building parking garage has had spots reser ved for a organization going by the name of NSA. Joe Kendall, City Times
NSA in our garage? By Joe Kendall City Times The NSA seems to be everywhere these days – in the news, in your email and the parking lot in the V building. What? Those of you that park in the V building might have noticed the parking spaces labeled “Reserved NSA no SDCC student or staff parking,” and wondered why the NSA is parking on our campus. The truth is it’s not the National Security Administration that’s parking in our parking garage, it’s the students and staff from the NewSchool of Architecture, located at F and 12th streets. The NewSchool of Architecture has had a contract for parking with the San Diego Community College District for the past two semesters.
The contract entitles NewSchool students and staff to 25 parking spots on the 8a and 8b level of the V building parking garage excluding the first four weeks of the City College semester, when traffic is at its heaviest. There are 50 spots with the signs restricting parking, however 25 of them are currently covered with black fabric and thus available for City students to use. With 25 spots left for NewSchool it’s still rare to see more than five of the spots taken at any time, adding more mystery to the situation. The contract will expire at the end of June and currently there has been no discussion on whether or not NewSchool will renew the contract. Whether or not they renew, students can park knowing their parking habits are not being analyzed by the NSA... yet.
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
EXCLUSIVA EN LINEA
Bueno, bonito, barato Lugares perfectos para el celebrar el fin de semestre SDCITYTIMES.COM
EXPRESIÓN CT 5
Estudiante sobrevive cruel encierro Cualquier persona que conozca a Marlene García por primera vez, no imagina qué hay detrás de esa tímida sonrisa. La serenidad que su cara refleja no va de acuerdo con lo que ha vivido a su edad. La siguiente es su historia; historia que muchos no vemos, pero que forma parte de la vida de algunos de nuestros estudiantes de colegios comunitarios como éste. Cuando la torreta del vehículo se prendió atrás del carro ese día de julio del 2011, sus ocupantes supieron que estaban en problemas. Después de pedirles sus identificaciones, los oficiales de Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) les comunicaron que estaban detenidos bajo sospecha de ser polleros. En el carro ese día en Barrio Logan viajaban una madre, sus tres hijos, dos de ellos estudiantes de Mesa y Southwestern College; y una amiga de ellos, García, de 23 años de edad, y estudiante de City College por tres años. Sin poder comprobar su estancia legal en este país, tres horas después, la madre y su hijo de ocho años, ciudadano americano, fueron deportados. A las otras jóvenes mujeres se las llevaron en una camioneta. Ahí, ellas se pusieron de acuerdo para no firmar algo que las perjudicara. Las trasladaron al Centro de Detención George Bailey en Otay Mesa. “Ustedes no tienen derecho de estar aquí. Ustedes sólo tienen derecho de regresarse a su país”, recuerda García que le dijeron. Ella dijo que los oficiales intentaban intimidarlas, pero ellas usaron su derecho a permanecer calladas. Eso enojó aún más a los oficiales, quienes gritaban que firmaran la deportación voluntaria. Las estudiantes contestaron a los agentes que lo único que firmarían era la petición MEDIO SOCIAL para ver a un juez y pelear su estancia en Estados Unidos. La Sandra Galindo respuesta de los agentes fue con enojo: “puede tomar días o aún meses para poder ver a un juez”. García recordó lo que había escuchado un año atrás en una de sus clases con el profesor Enrique Dávalos, éste les informó de su derecho a no firmar la deportación voluntaria. En la cabeza de García había dos cosas que la aterraban: la posibilidad de no volver a ver a su familia y la incertidumbre de saber qué pasaría si la deportaban a Tijuana porque ella no conocía a nadie. Solo había estado ahí por dos días, cuando cruzó la frontera con sus padres a los ocho años de edad, originaria del municipio de Zumpango, en el Estado de México. Los oficiales cedieron y ellas pudieron firmar la solicitud para ver a un juez. Incluso uno de ellos le dijo: “Qué bueno que no firmaste porque como estudiante, puedes ganar tu caso.” La dejaron hacer una llamada de dos minutos; habló con su tío. Le dijo, “yo voy a avisarle ahorita a tu mamá, cuídate, no te preocupes, vamos a tratar de ayudarte, estamos contigo”. Al día siguiente, las hermanas fueron trasladadas a otro centro cerca de la cárcel, y ella tuvo que esperar por cinco días más ahí, sin poder cambiarse de ropa ni asearse. García dijo que el frio que se sentía era como en un hospital. Le dieron una cobija pequeña y burritos de frijoles para comer. La celda en donde ella estaba tenía un baño, pero también una cámara que enfocaba al escusado, lo cual la intimidaba para poder usarlo. La cámara siempre la seguía. García tenía prohibido acercarse a la ventana frente a ella; debía estar todo el tiempo acostada en una colchoneta para hacer ejercicio que le dieron porque no hay camas. Tras la ventana pudo ver muchas cosas injustas: vio a hombres esposados y heridos, a mujeres con sus hijos golpeados. Uno de los detenidos venía sangrando mucho y los paramédicos tuvieron que ir por él. Muchos de los detenidos llegaban sangrando y con ampollas en los pies por días de caminar en el desierto. García dijo que a los detenidos no les explicaban que tenían la opción de ver a un juez, solo les exigían con amenazas que firmaran. Los ponían en línea, volteando hacia donde estaba García, con los brazos elevados hacia el frente y si se atrevían a subir la mirada o hablar, los regañaban muy duro. Así los dejaban por horas y ellos gritaban pidiendo que ya no más, que pararan. García dijo que todos los hombres firmaban la deportación voluntaria. Las mujeres peleaban más, porque las que tenían hijos, tenían que evitar que se los quitaran. García y un grupo de mujeres que pelearían sus casos fueron aisladas en otra área, cinco eran de San Diego. Después de una semana y media y debido a que los jueces locales estaban muy ocupados, las detenidas fueron informadas que era necesario hacer un viaje a ver a un juez. Una vez en Henderson, Nevada, vio a el mismo juez tres veces; la primera vez le dijo que no podía hacer nada por ella, porque ella no tenía dependientes que pudieran solicitarla: “No
Marlene García hoy tiene espenranza de un buen futuro en este país. Joe Kendall, City Times tienes hijos, no tienes nada”, le dijo, “pero si quieres seguir peleando, lo puedes pelear”. La segunda vez, García llevaba documentos de la escuela que su madre le mandó por correo. La tercera vez, García tuvo más suerte. El juez le dijo que la iba a dejar ir para que peleara su caso pidiendo asilo político y le impuso una fianza de $3,000. García y las cinco mujeres de San Diego ganaron sus casos, pero estuvieron una semana más en el centro de detención de Henderson. Un viernes les informaron que tendrían que firmar un documento en el que se comprometían a ir corte. Las mujeres juntaron 300 dólares y viajaron de Las Vegas a
Los Ángeles, en donde el familiar de una de las detenidas las dejó quedarse en su casa. Regresaron a Escondido y ahí, sus familiares las recogieron. Para García, reunirse con toda su familia después de tres meses de encierro fue un regalo que no se esperaba, finalmente lloraba pero de alegría. Ella sugiere a todas las personas sin documentos que estén informados sobre los derechos que tienen para evitar una deportación. También sugiere que la gente tenga un ahorro que pueda usarse en caso de emergencia además de acudir a lugares que los puedan ayudar. A las otras estudiantes de Mesa y Southwestern College las transportaron a Texas; cuando volvieron a verse no hablaron de la detención. El pasado diciembre, García recibió ayuda de La Acción Diferida (DACA por sus siglas en inglés) para los estudiantes que llegaron siendo infantes. García dice haber ganado una gran seguridad ahora que se siente amparada por este permiso, porque anteriormente siempre estaba con temor. García piensa: “DACA me cambió la vida.” Ella había pensado abandonar la escuela por el riesgo tan grande que implicaba que la pudieran detener en cualquier momento. Ahora, su plan es estudiar para ser una radióloga pediátrica.
See sdcitytimes.com for column in English
www.sdcitytimes.com | May 13, 2014
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Looking for something more from your education? Transfer to a college that works as hard as you. Dr. Beebe will continue at City with his policy of holding open office hours just as any other professor, and prefers the “walk and talk.” Chris Handloser, City Times
President Continued from Page 1
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about the person, taking that time,” said Moreno. “I see that as a great quality.” In addition to people learning about him, however, the exercise has also shed light on some of the intricacies of City College. “Frankly, and this could be a misconception on my part, but what I’ve perceived so far from the information that I’ve gathered, and I understand that it’s a very limited sampling, it seems like we have some marvelous and amazing things happening in pockets all around City, but I’m not seeing any overarching coordination of those things,” expressed Beebe. So he’s catching on quickly. He is also planning to hold open office hours, just as professors do, and looks forward to having “walk and talks” with anyone who needs an ear. He says that his goal is to work with the student body to figure out what things are getting in their way when interfacing with the college. It’s in overcoming these barriers that the experience is enriched, ultimately achieving their goal as educators. “I think there are so many students out there that are just not interested, not inspired. They don’t see the relevance of it. That’s why I think it’s important for us in community colleges to make that connection to students, and our faculty are really good with that,” Beebe said, adding that City’s classified staff excels in this area as well. As for the programs at City, he is quick to note that the college’s transfer and general education programs are a definite strength, stating, “It doesn’t matter what your major is, if you don’t have those foundational elements, you’re not going to make it. But the vision becomes more interesting from there. In highlighting programs such as Peace
Studies, Urban Farming and Labor Studies, Beebe believes that City College can embark on a national marketing swing. He is intrigued by the concept of magnate schools like San Diego’s High Tech High and the various health care high schools popping up. “I was thinking to myself, why don’t we be a magnate college? We need to bolster our enrollments, and there are a lot of strategies we can use, but one of them would be marketing ourselves on a nationwide basis and drawing people that have the same interests and passions (as City),” said Beebe. “We don’t normally think like that.” A high school basketball player, Beebe also sees value in connecting faculty from inside and outside the Athletics program, stating, “There’s some bridging that needs to happen across Park Boulevard.” He added that he hopes faculty will say to themselves, “We need to support Athletics and make sure (the program) is successful, because even though I’m an English teacher, it ties to my mission of trying to get these students through the program.” The process that he had to endure to get the position was an earnest one. Beebe explained that City has never held public deliberation forums for president before and that Chancellor Constance Carroll admitted that his journey was akin to her hiring as the district’s top administrator. “The process that I went through was one of the most rigorous, arduous processes that any president has gone through in this district,” Beebe said. In the statement announcing Beebe’s appointment, Carroll underscored his achievements. “Anthony Beebe brings extraordinary qualifications to the position of president of City College. He has transformed the Continuing Education division into what one important government agency described as the best in the state.” “Above all, he is deeply committed to students and their achievement,” added Carroll.
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www.sdcitytimes.com | May 13, 2014
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n May 1, students and San Diego area activists gathered to celebrate “May Day” also known as International Worker’s Day. Unrecognized by the U.S. Government, May Day represents the struggles of the working class, and commemorates a deadly clash between in 1886 police and protestors for a 8-hour work day. As 2 p.m. approached, the crowd assembled at the corner of Park Blvd and A St to participate in the Workers United for Dignity and Justice protest march. The started out at 3 p.m. and moved through downtown San Diego, ending at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan. This year, focus was on the demand to end deportation and border militarization, a minimum wage of $15 an hour as part of the San Diego “Fight for 15”, protection for the right to unionize, quality public education and an end to workplace discrimination against women and the queer community. Most importantly, voters may have the opportunity to weigh in on the minimum wage debate with two ballot initiatives in November. One proposal by San Diego city council president Todd Gloria (D) will raise the minimum wage to $13.09 per hour by July 2017, needing a majority vote of the City Council to get on the ballot. — Diego Lynch
The day was marked by powerful signs and bullhorn chants, top, in conjunction with a well organized flag precession down Park Blvd, above middle, ending at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan. The messages of the day hit hard, calling out perceived uneven economnic polices and egregious deportation laws, right top and directly above, and rights for all workers from Latino/Chicano to elderly to queer groups, right. Photos by Celia Jimenez and Joe Kendall, City Times
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
Photos by Celia Jimenez and Joe Kendall, City Times
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Voices demand workers’ rights
Peaceful protests in support of equality in the work force marked the 2014 May Day March. Latinos, the elderly and other under-represented workers stood up in the Fight for 15, among other causes.
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www.sdcitytimes.com | May 13, 2014
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Music to listen to over break Rock out to this playlist while you soak up the sun in the upcoming months. SDCITYTIMES.COM
Summer movie season arrives Six looks ahead for cinema By Michelle Moran City Times
“In the Heights” had singing, dancing and talent that lit up the Saville Theater stage. Celia Jimenez, City Times
Musical reaches new heights By Essence McConnell City Times Broadway-born musical “In the Heights” demands Broadway expectations and City’s all-student cast of 60-plus delivered nothing less than a performance worthy of a bigger stage. The musical has a “West Side Story” feel, from the romance and action to a similar setting to the ethnicity of the
characters. But “ In The Heights” delivers a new age twist of three generations of music, heartwarming, soul-searching, knee-slapping, and Latin hip-hop dancing, all on the Saville Theatre stage. Nina Rosario, one of the leading roles played by Erika Osuna, comes home during a break from Stanford University to face a string of events surrounding her, her family and her hometown neighborhood of Washington Heights.
The musical opens with Usnavi, played by Wilford Paloma, owner of a Washington Heights bodega, a place where the neighborhood can come get coffee and chat with a friend. Paloma breaks out in rap with a sound all his own, rapping about the Dominican Republic, his worries of struggle to survive in this society, and how his “abuela” raised him on this corner, her “escuela”. See Musical, page 14
Some highly anticipated movies will be released this summer. Some are remakes of older movies that will give us that feeling of nostalgia. Another trend this year is sequels. Though some of these movies will be a hit while others a miss, we are anxious to see them anyway. “Godzilla” - Our childhood nightmares turn into an action-packed science fiction film in “Godzilla.” “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston will be playing one of the lead characters and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (from “Kick Ass”) will be another one. One of the world’s most famous terrifying monsters will be hitting the big screen on May 16. (Warner Bros. Pictures). “X-men: Days of Future Past” - Hugh Jackman is back to play bad ass Wolverine in this sequel. Here, the X-men send Wolverine to the past to try to prevent a dramatic event that will destroy everyone in the future. Along with Jackman, you can expect the old cast, like Halle Berry and Anna Paquin, who we all grew to love, as well as some newcomers, like Ellen Page and Evan Peters. All of the mutants will be in theaters on May 23. (20th Century Fox). “Maleficent” - The Disney villain who frightened us when we were kids is being portrayed by none other than Angelina Jolie and she will be the main character in this action/adventure family film. The well known “Once Upon a Dream” song from the original “Sleeping Beauty” movie was remade into an eerie rendition by Lana Del Ray, which fits perfectly with the vibe of the movie. You will be able to see the iconic horned headdress that Maleficent is known for in theaters on May 30. (Walt Disney Studios). See Movies, page 14
Guests enjoy the eclectic winning portfolio from student Edward Honaker, right wall. Other student works, adjacent, included included Rene Salvador’s, “Untitled,” bottom right.
‘Higher quality’ Professional photographers judge student photo exhibit at the Luxe Story and photos by Edwin Rendon City Times Photographs that explored the human psyche and emotions won top honors in the Ninth Annual Student Exhibition 2014. City’s Photography Department organized the judged competition, which drew more than 400 entries, of which 95 were selected to be exhibited, photographed by 29 students. The winners were announced at the opening reception of the exhibit on May 8 at the Luxe Gallery in the fifth floor of the V Building. Categories included Portraiture/ Commercial, Portfolio and Fine Art/ Open. The top three photographs in each category received awards. In late April, judges viewed the
untagged prints for selection in the exhibit and picked the winners. Professional photographers, Walter Wilson, a City alumni, and William Morton, president of the American Society of Media Photographers-San Diego Chapter, were the judges. Morton, who had served as a judge several years ago, noted differences then and now. “I think there’s more commercial work than last time. I’m seeing higher quality images and can tell they produced them with a lot of attention to detail, which is always good to see,” Morton commented at the reception. The students from the Photography and Gallery Management classes, taught by professors Dave Eichinger and Melinda Holden respectively, submitted photographs
and helped assemble the works. “Each year we choose photographers, either local or from Los Angeles, who are graduates of City College or professionals we know, who sometimes hire our students,” explained Eichinger. The professor commented that this year’s pieces differ from 2013 in tone. “The works seem to be more esoteric, psychological and emotional as opposed to last year, when it was more colorful and pretty.” The Best in Show went to Edward Honaker for his self-portrait Portfolio work, “Depression.” Celia Jimenez, a City Times photographer, won first place in Portfolio for her collection of close-up food and kitchen utensils. Ashley Montoya placed third in
Portfolio, with self-portrait photographs titled “Desolation,” “Despair” and “Yearn,” which were two years in the making. “I’m not too comfortable being
in front of the camera,” Montoya said. “I was trying to mask identity in all (photographs) for the viewer to interact and take a piece of themselves out of it.”
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
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A man of his spoken word By Essence McConnell City Times Mulemvo Nianda’s words are backed by love, his thoughts backed by emotion and his ideas backed by his confidence in this generation to come together into a new conscious awakening and start living in paradise. The City College student, who goes by the stage name Nianda Speaks, has been writing poetry since he was 13, but it wasn’t until last year he decided to express himself through spoken word. “I’m actually pretty shy,” Nianda explains. “I’m really introverted. I just write it out. I think it comes off better.” First generation Congolese, Nianda spent the first 12 years in Virginia where he experienced racism and distress, this grew into a passion of giving a voice to lost people. “I feel the voice we have, it turns into negative stereotypes. If I can give an intellectual voice to it, then maybe we might be heard in a different way.” Nianda, 25, started studying sociology after beginning to perform spoken word. “I felt like the people were calling me, like they were hungry for something, so I started spoken word and it branched off into sociology after that.” From standing on campus trashcans reciting his poetry, to open mic nights every week, Nianda has been doing everything he can to have his message of uniting being heard.
Nianda Speaks is a poet and he is currently a student at City College. Official Facebook image He’s becoming a known figure around San Diego, being ask to speak at the Black Graduation Ceremony Rite of Passage, holding intellecutal discussions around the city, even working with Stephen Pierce, former Cleveland Brown
whose asked Nianda to lead a poetry slam for his non- profit organization, the Stephen Pierce Foundation. One of the ways Nianda has been working towards a united world is with his controversial documentary “The Nigga Project.” “There’s a lot of petty stuff that I think goes on in the black community that I think separates us,” Nianda explains. “That’s the fight that I’m trying to bring light to, is that we all can come together.” At first glance this title sets his audience back, but the documentary is a history of African Americans and how some might use or view the ‘N’ word. “I think we’re all lost in the sauce, we don’t really have knowledge of our history.” The film asks questions to try and provide answers on how society can fix this use of a word that is now in people’s daily vocabulary. “I can’t stop people from using the word, but I can bring light to what it means. I can help make you more aware.” Unsure when or how it will happen, Nianda’s confident a change will come in our lifetime and that a consciousness awakening is happening right now. He wants to be a positive figure that helps push the younger generation in the right direction. “My hope is that we’ll be different and we’ll understand that it doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to be broke; we don’t have to focus on how much money we don’t have. It
Local breweries near you By Michelle Moran City Times
Dotti Cordell directs Student Health Ser vices. Steven Dunetz, City Times
Low-cost health services available just steps away By Pedro Delgado and Steven Dunetz City Times Feeling sick but don’t have the money to go to a doctor ? If you are a City College student, you can seek treatment at Student Health Services, Room A116, and make payments on your bill. Dotti Cordell, the director of that health office, recently explained the services students can receive, regardless of their ability to pay. The office is partially funded by the $19 health fee that every student pays per semester. Students can make an appointment to see a doctor, who works at City twice a week, or they can walk-in and request service. The health office will be open during the summer 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cordell and her staff provide a variety of low-cost services, including providing H1N1 flu vaccines and offering tests such as blood pressure checks, mammograms, EKGs, ultrasound, and hearing and vision screenings. They will also make referrals for spe-
cialties. The cost of most of these services range from $10 to $25. The office gives away condoms, as well.She herself sees 50 to 70 students per day. Cordell, who has been at City for 13 years, is a Registered Nurse and has master’s degree in public health. She said she is most proud of her campaign to eliminate smoking on campus. She also teaches a health class where students learn nutrition, safe sexual behavior substance abuse. Cordell has long worked to help students who are struggling to make ends meet. She said many work jobs and are trying to raise children. She founded the Food Pantry on campus and helps students apply for food stamps (known as EBT cards). Student can make payments to cover the services they receive, but must pay the bill by the end of the semester. She also noted that any student who is injured on campus and does not have health coverage can go to Student Health Services and file an accident claim to help them pay for their medical care. “I love doing my job,” Cordell said. “I help wherever I can. That’s what l live for.”
Living in San Diego, when you think of beer, it isn’t about Budweiser or Corona anymore. This city is the craft brew capital of the U.S., an attribute well deserved. With more than 60 breweries and counting, no wonder San Diego takes pride in its craft beer being produced in this city. During the baseball season, Petco Park has started serving a lot of local brew for the Padres and rival fans. Many of these breweries are relatively close to the City College campus and can be enjoyed over the summer. Stone - When you think about San Diego beer, Stone is probably the most popular to order at a restaurant or bar. The most well known beers are the Stone India Pale Ale or the Arrogant Bastard Ale. The beers are given an “enjoy by” date to ensure that the quality of beer is fresh. This particular location is not only a tasting room but the restaurant has some food as well. There are many Stone locations throughout San Diego; the closest to campus is located on 795 J Street. Monkey Paw - This brewery/pub is located just a few blocks from City College. Not only does it have a full bar as well as beer, there’s food. A few beers that they brew are Bonobos Double IPA, Muriqui Triple IPA and a Low and Slow Rauchbier (smoked beer). They have lodge-style seating, which gives this place a bit of an intimate feeling. So one can grab a beer, grab some food and just relax in the laid-back atmosphere. Monkey Paw is located on 805 16th St.
Official Facebook Image
Ballast Point - This location is different from the original business, serving up bar food with the popular Ballast Point beers, as well as some special releases on tap. The Sculpin IPA is starting to be served at several San Diego restaurants, possibly because it is a popular hoppy IPA. The hops have a hint of apricot, peach, mango and lemon, which give this award- winning beer a flavorful taste. This tasting room is located on 2215 India St. Hess - This craft brewery has quite the tasting room. As you enter, you are surrounded by massive kegs of beer, that is used to produce such high-quality beer. Customers have many options to choose from, like the Grazias Vienna Cream Ale or the Jucundus Orange Honey Wheat. The Grazias is a smooth beer with malts that give it a chocolatey and vanilla taste. The Jucundus is a light-bodied beer perfect to drink on a hot summer day and is really refreshing. As you enjoy the variety of beers there are board and card games that you can play with your friends. Hess Brewery is located in North Park on 3812 Grim Ave. Karl Strauss - This brewery is famous for their Red Trolley Red Ale that can be found almost anywhere nowadays. With several locations in San Diego and Los Angeles, it is hard not to come across this place. During happy hour, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., pints of beer, beer flights and wine are only $4. Karl Strauss in downtown was the first brewery to open in the summer of 1989 in more than 50 years. Since then, there have been renovations and it looks like a nice addition to the city. This brewery restaurant is located on 1157 Columbia St.
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
VOICE CT
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Exploring the legitimacy of elections Associated Students (not quite a) Government The Associated Student Government (ASG) of City College has a problem: It is not a government, which might be fine. There are many great things that are not governments. And certain events the ASG attend annually, such as the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) conference, are the embodiment of everything wrong with student governments. On the surface, it seems like the intrepid leaders of tomorrow getting together to discuss what they see as the biggest issues for their constituency, but is it? Their resolutions addressed important issues -- free speech, sustainability, gender equality, student loans and more -- and it all seems great until you realize an important detail. The SSCCC has no power. All of the resolutions are only to urge lawmakers in Sacramento to make the necessary changes. The glaring hole is: What if they say no? How can the ASG be affective at advocacy when it is toothless? For example, clubs at Mesa, Miramar and probably every other educational facility in the nation can fundraise using a non-profit status available through their school. City College clubs cannot. This is a situation which obviously harms the students with no obvious benefits to the administration. As they should, some of the ASG members have been campaigning to change this for over a year. After a year, however, it is time to change strategies. Either the administration or the San Diego City College Foundation (the campus non-profit) are not getting the message. Encouraging all the club leaders to lobby the foundation in person would be a great place to start. Bureaucratic issues FINER POINTS are not the only ways ASG Diego Lynch spends its time though. Planning and supporting events are the strengths of City’s ASG. The Centennial Club Rush at the start of the quarter was a triumph and energized the campus in a way that is rarely seen. But there is a time to take a stand and confront controversial issues as well. One such moment came in Fall 2013, when a disagreement between student clubs and the administration delayed the display of a mural celebrating the life of Diana Gonzalez, who was murdered on campus by her estranged husband PRESIDENT in 2010. Responding to outcry from the student body, ADAM GARCIA the ASG lobbied the administration to allow the mural to be displayed as was originally intended VICE PRESIDENT by its student creators. When meeting with the ASG, the administraKATHERINE LONTHAIR tion cited reasons not to display the mural at that time. SECRETARY “Do we really want City College to be in the news repeatedly for the campus where a murder SAMANTHA MASINO occurred?” asked Interim City College President Lynn Neault, “Do we want that to be the public SENATOR image of the campus?” Image concerns are an inadequate excuse CANDICE BELL to erase a memory of tragedy. One of the bigLAURA BENAVIDEZ gest problems for victims of domestic violence HANI HUSSEIN is isolation, and by removing evidence of the DAVID JAIME deadly event, it prevents it from being a teachable moment. MERCEDES MONROE* This is one example of how the ASG could CAROLINA MORENO * drawn lines in the sand. One tactic would be to refuse assistance with any upcoming events, * Write-in Candidate such as the 100 Year Commencement ceremony.
Turnout relies on effective access to visible candidates Voter turnout in the 2012 Obama reelection was 57.5 percent. Kevin Faulconer was recently elected mayor of San Diego with less than 30 percent of the electorate giving their say. City College’s latest student government election brought out a whopping two percent, totaling 442 votes. No government can be viewed as legitimate with only two percent of their constituents participating in the election – and I would hardly call winning the student government presidency with 219 votes out of 18,000 students – an achievement of popular sovereignty. In order for the institution of student government to regain any momentum, voter turnout must improve, and unfortunately, the color code to this Rubix cube lies first in answering the question: Who is to blame? To be sure, some blame falls on the candidates themselves. There were, by my count, ten viable candidates on the latest Associated Students Government (ASG) ballot spread across the offices of president, vice president, secretary and senator. The quick math here is that candidates could be credited, on average, for bringing about 45 people each to the polls. In a school as populated as City College, most people interact with far more than that on INVIGILATOR a daily basis. Chris Handloser If somebody can’t galvanize more than 50 people to come out to vote for them, to represent his or her best interests, that candidate has not earned a spot in student government. In reality, the three presidential and two vice president candidates most likely pulled the couple hundred collectively and the senators simply walked in unopposed. But even that looks odd, because the four (non-write in) senators all garnished between 219 and 241 votes, averaging 63.5 percent. So the other 200 or so people that cast a ballot just skipped voting for their student senators? I’ve been covering ASG elections at City for two years now, spanning four election cycles. In that time, I’ve witnessed empty election forums, illegal voting sanctions that resulted in a nullified the results of a race, the original winner of that position re-running unopposed – and the maximum turnout to any of these exhibitions at 611 votes. VOTE CAST % OF VOTE The esoteric election This term might be desirable in art, but in politics, it’s the death nail. Access to candidates must improve. Holding VOTE CAST % OF VOTE two election forums a couple days before the vote doesn’t cut it. Ironically, the election period was extended to two weeks this time and turnout went down. VOTE CAST % OF VOTE This is the 21st century. If the school’s administration truly championed the efficacy of the ASG, there would be a stronger online effort to introduce the candidates to the student body. VOTE CAST % OF VOTE Social media is a magic bullet for information dissemination these days and there was not one 231 64% single promotional post by the admins of the offi241 67% cial City College Facebook page. The election 223 62% forums and times weren’t even announced. 219 61% Oh and don’t look for the City College Twitter account because it doesn’t exist. 5 1%
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS GOVERNMENT ELECTION 2014-2015 RESULTS
TOTAL VOTES CAST IN ELECTION: 442
Volume 68 Number 14 May 13 , 2014
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Chris Handloser Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Elizabeth Carson Online Editor Kaily Sanders News Editor
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219
54%
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66%
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94%
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1%
See turnout, page 14 Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: info@sdcitytimes.com
City Times Staff Pedro Delgado, Steven Dunetz, Celia Jimenez, Joe Kendall, Antonio Marquez, Essence Mcconnell, Rolando Ortiz. Jennifer Ovalle, Edwin Rendon, Angelica Wallingford
City Times is published twice monthly during the semester. Signed opinions are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, City College administration, faculty and staff or the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees. District policy statement | This publication is produced as a learning experience under San Diego City College’s Digital Journalism program. All materials, including opinions expressed herein, are the sole responsibility of the students and should not be interpreted to be those of the college district, its officers or employees. Letters to the editor | Letters to the Editor are welcome, 350 words or less. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation and length. Memberships | Journalism Association of Community Colleges, California College Media Association, Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Digital Journalism Program | www.sdcity.edu/journalism Roman S. Koenig, associate professor, journalism and mass communication
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Voice
www.sdcitytimes.com | May 13, 2014
URBANALITIES
Officers Michael Roderick and Katie Joy Lonthair address the participants of their latest ASG-sponsored event, May Day City Jam on May 1 in the Gorton Quad. Joe Kendall, City Times
Question by Chris Handloser
By Michele Suthers
Student body organizations are an integral part of decision-making under the principles of shared and participatory governance. The San Diego Community College District recognizes the importance of student input in the formation of their policies and has created channels for this purpose. One example is the United Student Council, which brings student representatives from all schools in the district together with trustees, professors, and other key decisionmakers to have, in the words of Chancellor Constance Carroll, “conversations that matter.” Student governments are entitled to contribute a student perspective by participating in the committees that design and enact the functions of the college and are the bridge between the student population and governing bodies.
Letter to the Editor ASG senate president, Jose Malo
participate in the process of representation. That is the foundation of a democracy. In reality, levels of engagement are very low. According to a study conducted by UC Davis, in 2012 voter registration increased by more than 14 percent in 18-24 year olds. Regardless, voter turnout in state elections was still very low. It might seem unrelated to student government elections to refer to state elections; however, when comparing demographics, the apathetic electorates show consistency.
issue does not lie completely in the lack of outreach from the governing bodies, but also in a lack of interest from young voters. Independent from communitybuilding events and activities that student organizations create or support, institutions continue to operate, and until young people decide to participate, our united voice will continue to be debilitated. Those of us who see this issue and believe that it can improve will keep doing our part to represent the interests of all students to the best of our abiity.
Teona Thompson, 27, business
Diana Alvarez, 25, graphic design
Osvaldo Salgado, 20, Philosophy
Tom Brady, 40, Biology
“Im pretty much satisfied with everything that’s going on, I really wouldn’t change too much of anything, I think they’re doing a good job.”
“When they were talking about healthy options in cafeteria; I’d like to see more of that, more variety, it’s pretty tough deciding. I’d like to see them improve the quality of food health-wise.”
“More about what’s going on around the world maybe even just around here with the trolley. I know they had the May Day thing going on, but maybe they can have more events like that.”
“I would say more advocacy for students. I mean, the best interest to make sure our needs are met and to represent us to the government.”
Photos by Joe Kendall
What would you like your student government to accomplish?
Ideally, all students would be Some 52 percent of San Diego City interested in the decisions made College students are within this age for them and they would actively group. This demonstrates that the
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Sports
www.sdcitytimes.com | May 13, 2014
KNIGHTS ATHLETICS
Knights fall to De Anza in State finals By Chris Handloser City Times
In what is shaping up to be an annual clash of powerhouse badminton squads, the De Anza Dons overpowered the City College Lady Knights, reclaiming the state title with a match victory of 19-2. It’s the second straight year the Knights fell to the Dons, and this year’s loss was marked by another dominant performance by nationally ranked juggernaut, Sheung Wi “Pinky Li. Reaching the end of her eligibility, Li has never dropped a set in singles play while at De Anza. But the Knights had another magical year, going undefeated up until De Anza once again, and Head Coach Son Nguyen has still not lost a match in his career to any team other than the Dons. “Every year we have a special team,” said Nguyen via email. “This year’s team is unique in how they Head Coach Son Nguyen led sophomores Darby Duprat, Kareen Escobedo and Kim Thao-Nguyen, know to adapt to the environment in above, to compete for a fifth Knights’ state title since 2006. Celia Jimenez, City Times competition, making it much easier to
coach them.” The sophomore backbone of the squad, Darby Duprat, Kim-Thao Nguyen and Kareen Escobedo will move on from the Knights, leaving a void to fill. “We have several new incoming freshmen, competing at a high school level right now, so we will need a lot of work,” explained Coach Nguyen. “To fill the positions Duprat, Nguyen and Escobedo are very skillful.” Escobedo will be moving on to UC Santa Cruz or UC Riverside, though is unsure about continuing on in badminton. She cherishes her time here at City with Coach Nguyen. “It’s really fun and awesome. It’s a really good experience to play for him during my community college years. He’s a really nice, good coach that knows what he’s doing. He’s always considerate about what we all need. He’s very dedicated,” shared Escobedo. Coach Nguyen will be back to compete for a chance to win his fifth state championship next season.
Turnout
Student Services’ big accomplishment over the last year was enacting an online voting portal, and that did result Continued from Page 12 in 90 percent electronic votes cast last month. To promote this feature and the election, they sent out two emails, one a week in advance and one the morning polls opened. These emails could be described as sterile, and there were no candidate profiles included or to be found anywhere online. Would it kill someone to decide on a fair format to produce a picture, bio and stump speech (on a word count) from each candidate? I fully realize that it’s not the task of city, state or federal governments to provide campaign opportunities to candidates, but when the candidates are unfunded, non-partisan college students, exceptions should be made. Structural reduction Regarding that “unfunded” part, the campaigning process is entirely funded by the candidates themself. So students that have kids eating ramen for dinner will likely come up short in supplies for posters, handouts, etc. It’s also a major issue that some students don’t know or understand what the ASG even does. To combat this, current members designed their own website: www.sdcityasg.com. The site functions well and is moderately informative. The site launched at the end of February – and even though www. sdcity.edu is updated about as frequently as it downpours here – there is still no hyperlink for it in the ASG section. No email from Student Services about it either. However the reasons for this failure are unclear. Voices in the administration, and specifically Student Affairs, claim ease in change and blame ineffective student officials. Members of ASG cite a lengthy, bureaucratic process to affect change. At the end of the day, how hard is for the two parties to form an alliance in support of a fledgling government? Even though all involved parties talk a good talk, the conclusion here is that student voters are unengaged in an unsupported and underpromoted student government. Until that changes, two percent turnout should be expected to continue.
Movies Continued from Page 10 “22 Jump Street” - The sequel to “21 Jump Street” is almost here. Judging from the humor in the trailers, we can only imagine how the movie is going to be. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return as the hilarious cops who go undercover as students attending a local college. This comedy will be in theaters on June 13. (Columbia Pictures). “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” - This film is based off of the popular cartoon series from the late ‘80s to early ‘90s. The four turtles
encounter reporter April O’ Neil (played by Megan Fox) as they try to save the city from an evil villain. Watch these pizza-eating turtles try to save New York City, starting on Aug. 8. (Paramount Pictures). “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” - The sequel to the 2005 film “Sin City”, Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller return with a star-studded cast and we can expect some more action and more criminals. Jessica Alba will return as lead character Nancy Callahan, along with Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Josh Brolin, just to name a few. This crime thriller will hit theaters on Aug. 22. (Dimension Films).
“In the Heights” featued a blend of style from hip-hop to Latin dance. Celia Jimenez, City Times
Musical
Play on words are always fun. Actors enter the Continued from Page 10 stage for this scene and as they do, it fills with moving colors from the Manhattan, hip-hop style of baggy clothes and lots of jewelry. Benny, Rosario’s soon-to-be love interest, played by Anthony Antoniszyn, raps alongside Paloma, playing the only non-Hispanic character. As Paloma and Antoniszyn rap, a live band plays a mix between salsa and Latin pop with a beat. Both actors have an early golden age hip-hop style in their voices, capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for a not-so-average musical. But it wasn’t just the throwback sounds that got the audience hyped for what the next 90 minutes had to bring, the dancers were the ones who brought the stage to life. Graffiti Pete, played by actress and dancer Bernadette Ondevilla, had moves that commanded attention any time she came out. Nervous to tell her family the news of her decision
to drop out of college due to the hardships of what it takes to survive as a student, Osuna breaks out into song with a power set of vocals just as sweet as the character she plays. After it’s done, you’re lost and have forgotten you’re watching a student-run musical. The musical had salon gossip, family tensions, even someone from The Heights with a winning lottery ticket, but there were also times your heart would sink. Darik Houseknecht, playing Osuna’s father Kevin Rosario, came out to sing “Inútil” meaning “useless.” He embodied a man who felt defeated, who he believed was no longer providing for his daughter. Some of the audience laughed because he was a white man playing a Dominican father, nonetheless, Houseknecht killed it. This Latino soap opera came to City College and conquered the audience, with much thanks to student director Richard Claar. There were several performances during April. With ticket prices ranging from $10 to $15, it was worth the price of admission.
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
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July 1, 2014 Enrollment Priority Deadline
If the answer is no to any of the above questions, talk to a counselor at the Counseling Center (A-110), or if you participate in one of the special programs, see a program counselor: EOPS/CARE (L-117) Puente (MS-433)
Got an Ed Plan?
Quality and affordability.
FYE (L-206) CalWORKs (L-121)
DSPS (A-115) Umoja (MS-434)
Starting July 1, 2014, if you have not completed all 3 components (orientation, assessment, and Ed Plan) you will lose your continuing student enrollment priority at registration.
An online Bachelor’s Degree from UCCS gives you
both. Have your Associate’s Degree in Business, Nursing, or Criminal Justice? You can earn your Bachelor’s Degree online from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs for about the same cost as California in-state tuition. ■ We’ve
streamlined the admissions process through our association with the California Community College System.
■ Our
on-campus faculty teach our online classes and we limit the size of each class, which means you’ll receive supportive, personal attention.
■ Earn a prestigious University of
Colorado Bachelor’s Degree. ■ Special
tuition rates apply for California Community College transfer students.
For more information, visit
www.uccs.edu/california or call 1-800-990-8227, extension 3084
May 13, 2014 | www.sdcitytimes.com
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